Campus Sustainability Projects - Meet Ian

Ian ’25 is working to invest in the future of Hope College.

The senior mechanical engineering major from Holland, Mich., is a student intern for Hope’s ambitious Green Revolving Fund, where he’s working as part of a team to discover new, efficient green energy initiatives for the campus.

The GRF is a unique way Hope is funding sustainability and lowering operating costs while providing unique internships to students. Hope pays student interns who are then tasked with finding and managing cost-saving energy projects on campus, meaning your donations go nearly 100% into projects. Hope also returns the cost-savings back to the GRF, allowing it to "revolve" and ensuring your donations fund projects long into the future.

“Currently, I am analyzing the lighting system in the DeVos Fieldhouse to calculate potential cost savings by optimizing usage,” he shared. “Our goal is to align financial savings with sustainability practices.” These savings will then be invested in future green initiatives on Hope’s campus.

Ian, who aims to work in product engineering, appreciates the strong connection between the GRF and his studies. “Engineering is about finding efficient, innovative solutions, and GRF offers the perfect platform to apply my skills to real-world challenges, such as energy optimization and environmental stewardship,” he said.

This connection is part of the culture of excellence the Green Fund has created on campus. Seeing the long-term impact of his work is something that Ian is especially thankful for. “One of my favorite experiences has been working on the cost analysis for the DeVos Fieldhouse lighting system with Peter Lillich, a fellow student,” Ian said. “Collaborating with him not only made the project more enjoyable, but also helped me gain a deeper understanding of energy sustainability. The program’s hands-on approach and focus on making a tangible impact on campus are what make it so rewarding.”

Ian sees your gifts as an inspiration to the entire Hope community. “Your support empowers us to take meaningful action toward creating a more sustainable campus,” he shared. “With your donation, we can identify and implement energy-saving projects that not only reduce our environmental impact, but also reduce the operating costs of the college and inspire a culture of sustainability within our community.”

Your gifts to the Green Revolving Fund allow students like Ian to gain real-world experience as an undergraduate and promote Hope’s long-term green and sustainability success.

Will you help secure Hope’s future with your gift to the Green Revolving Fund today?